Stamp Box

Found this in a cigar box at the thrift store. Little did I know how common these are especially on e-bay. I used a dremel on it for an hour trying to clean it and gave up. Perhaps more hours would restore it completely.

Everyone will be googling "stamp box" today!

sdtom, your nice stamp box appears to be sterling silver. If this is correct, you can strip off the black oxidation with a homemade solution of hot water, baking soda and salt in an aluminum foil lining. Just google "silver cleaner" and you should be able to find more specific details of the process.

At any rate, I wouldn't use a power tool unless you are an experienced jeweler. It is very easy to "polish away" nice details and ruin the value of your item. Commercial silver polish would be better.

As an alternative, you can make your own "pickling" solution to strip of the oxidation. Most jewelers use Sparex 2 to strip off oxidation. If you google "natural silver pickle" there are are instructions for making your own pickle solution with vinegar and other stuff from the kitchen. I haven't tried this method.

I would leave the oxidation intact it adds to the character.

I did use wrights silver cleaning polish and a lot did come off, you should have seen it before! I'm going to leave it alone now.

You know I was just thinking that this photo could make a cachet down the road.